to skim coat or not to skim coat?

I'm looking into having some work done on my (currently unoccupied) apartment before I move in. The floors, kitchen, and bathroom are in good shape. Alas, it's prewar, so the walls are plaster caked with paint caked with more paint. There doesn't seem to be any bubbling or cracking (yet), just a lot of uneven texture. The trim is also in really rough shape, so if I end up skim coating, I will... [more]

I'm looking into having some work done on my (currently unoccupied) apartment before I move in. The floors, kitchen, and bathroom are in good shape. Alas, it's prewar, so the walls are plaster caked with paint caked with more paint. There doesn't seem to be any bubbling or cracking (yet), just a lot of uneven texture. The trim is also in really rough shape, so if I end up skim coating, I will probably also need to replace most- if not all. Baseboards, picture frame and rail mouldings, window and door casings, etc. So my questions are- Is there any way to make these walls and trim look presentable, with just some sanding, spackle, and the right paint finish? Is skim coating really worth it? I know it will look great to begin with, but if it only lasts a few years... And if I go ahead with all of it, what is a reasonable price range for the skim coat, plus trim, plus paint, for apx 400sf? Thanks in advance! [less]